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IDG World Expo Partners with Society for Promotion of Japanese Animation to Produce the Leading Anime Convention in North America

"We are very excited to bring IDG World Expo into the Anime Expo team," said Michael Lattanzio, president and chief executive officer of SPJA. "IDG World Expo's expertise in show management and years of experience with technology and entertainment events will bring our already hugely successful show to a new level, and will improve upon our outstanding event experience for exhibitors and attendees alike."

Anime Expo is currently the largest anime and manga convention in North America. It is the second longest-running anime convention, having launched in 1992. The 2009 event brought 40,000 attendees and over 300 exhibitors to the Los Angeles Convention Center. Popular Anime Expo events include the Masquerade, Anime Music Video Contest, Concerts, Battle of the Bands, and the "AX Idol" contest. Anime Expo is a 4-day convention that offers evening dances, video programming, tabletop gaming rooms, and open-mic Karaoke throughout the event. Anime is renowned as a visual medium for its emphasis on visuals, unique presentation, and immersive storytelling style. According to the Japan External Trade Organization, the anime market in the United States is valued at $4.35 billion.

"We are delighted to add Anime Expo to our growing portfolio of events," said Mary Dolaher, chief executive officer of IDG World Expo, a business unit of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research and event company. "Anime Expo is the premiere event of its kind in the country, and we look forward to working with SPJA to expand it and bring the show to even more fans and companies involved in this dynamic industry."

About IDG World Expo

IDG World Expo (www.idgworldexpo.com) is a leading producer of tradeshows and events for professionals and consumers seeking world-class education, strategic business relationships, and access to industry-leading products and services. IDG World Expo's portfolio of conferences and events includes Macworld and Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3 Expo). IDG World Expo is a business unit of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research and event company.

About Anime Expo

Located in Los Angeles, California – Anime Expo, the nation's largest anime and manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of both anime and manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2010 will be held July 1 - July 4, 2010 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Southern California. More information can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org).

IDG World Expo
Cindy Hart, 508-424-4825
chart@idgworldexpo.com